Methods for governing bone growth

Abstract

Resorbable polymer barrier membranes and methods of their applications are disclosed. In a broad embodiment, methods of governing bone growth, or preventing bone growth into a certain spatial area, includes the step of forming a spatial barrier with the present resorbable barrier membrane. The barrier membrane separates a bone-growth area and a non-bone-growth area, and prevents bone from growing into the non-growth area.

1. A method for governing bone growth, the method comprising providing a substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material having a bone-growing substantially-smooth side that comprises a bone-inductive factor and a non-bone growing substantially-smooth side, the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material comprising a single layer of resorbable polymer base material between the bone-growing side and the non-bone growing side, the single layer of resorbable polymer base material having a substantially uniform composition, wherein a thickness of the single layer of resorbable polymer base material, measured between the bone-growing side and the non-bone growing side, is between about 10 microns and about 300 microns, wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material is non-porous, wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material consists essentially of a material selected from the group consisting of a poly-lactide polymer and a copolymer of two or more cyclic esters, and wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material is adapted to maintain a smooth-surfaced barrier between the bone growing side and the non-bone growing side, and is adapted to be resorbed into a mammalian body within a period of approximately 18 to 24 months from an initial implantation of the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material into the mammalian body; and forming a spatial barrier with the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material, the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material separating a bone-growth area, which faces the bone-growing side having the bone-inductive factor, from a non-bone-growth area, which faces the non-bone growing side having a pre-implantation compositional characteristic different from a pre-implantation compositional characteristic of the bone growing side, wherein the compositional characteristic is defined by an amount or concentration of one or more of a tissue growth inhibitor or anti-tissue agent, an anti-bone agent or factor, an anti-angiogenic factor, a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody, an antibody fragment, a substance for cellular control, a chemotactic substance for influencing cell-migration, an inhibitory substance for influencing cell-migration, a mitogenic growth factor for influencing cell proliferation, a bone-inductive factor, a growth factor for influencing cell differentiation, and a factor which promotes angiogenesis. 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the resorbable polymer base material is about 70:30 poly (L-lactide-co-D,L-lactide). 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the spatial barrier is formed in a cavity of a bone of a patient. 
     
     
       4. The method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the characteristic of the non-bone growing side that is different from a characteristic of the bone-growing side comprises a concentration of bone morphogenic protein on the bone-growing side that is greater than a concentration of bone morphogenic protein on the non-bone growing side. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the providing comprises providing a the non-bone growing substantially-smooth side substantially free of a bone inductive factor. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material is not fluid permeable. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising administering at least one anti-tissue agent. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material is sealed in a sterile packaging. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one anti-tissue agent comprises at least one anti-bone factor to inhibit bone tissue growth in the non-bone-growth area. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one anti-bone factor is administered into the non-bone-growth area. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the governing of bone growth is in a spinal canal and wherein the forming of a spatial barrier comprises positioning the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material to form a spatial barrier between a bone-growth area, which faces the bone-growing side, and the spinal canal, which faces the non-bone growing side having a characteristic different from a characteristic of the bone-growing side. 
     
     
       12. The method as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the characteristic of the non-bone growing side that is different from a characteristic of the bone-growing side comprises a concentration of bone morphogenic protein of the bone-growing side that is greater than a concentration of bone morphogenic protein of the non-bone growing side. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 11 , wherein implant comprises a promoter of cell growth disposed substantially only on the bone growing side of the implant. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 11 , wherein implant comprises an inhibitor of cell growth disposed substantially only on the non-bone growing side of the implant. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 14 , wherein the inhibitor of cell growth includes one or more of anti-angiogenic factors, monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 14 , wherein the inhibitor of cell growth is effective against members of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta superfamily. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the implant comprises:
 a promoter of cell growth disposed substantially only on the bone-growing side of the implant; and 
 an inhibitor of cell growth disposed substantially only on the non-bone growing side of the implant. 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the governing of bone growth comprises governing bone growth in a cavity in a bone; 
 the forming of a spatial barrier comprises inserting the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material into the cavity so that the at least one resorbable barrier membrane defines the bone-growth area and the non-bone-growth area, each of the bone-growth area and the non-bone-growth area being disposed on opposite sides of the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material before the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material is resorbed; and 
 the method farther comprises administering at least one tissue growth inhibitor to inhibit tissue growth in a vicinity only of the non-bone-growth area, wherein the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material governs bone growth by reducing tissue-growth in the non-bone-growth area. 
 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18 , further comprising administering a bone morphogenic protein to the bone-growth area to enhance bone growth in the bone-growth area. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 19 , wherein the bone morphogenic protein is provided on the surface of the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material facing the bone-growth area. 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 18 , further comprising administering at least one anti-bone factor to inhibit bone tissue growth in the non-bone-growth area. 
     
     
       22. The method of  claim 21 , wherein the at least one anti-bone factor is provided only on a surface of the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material facing the non-bone-growth area. 
     
     
       23. The method of  claim 18 , wherein the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material is inserted adjacent to the spinal meninges to reduce bone growth into the spinal canal of the patient. 
     
     
       24. The method of  claim 18 , wherein the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material comprises a poly-lactide polymer and a copolymer of at least two lactides. 
     
     
       25. The method of  claim 18 , wherein the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material is impermeable to fluid. 
     
     
       26. The method of  claim 18 , further comprising attaching the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material to an anatomical structure to provide a fixed border between the bone-growth area and the non-bone-growth area. 
     
     
       27. The method of  claim 26 , wherein the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material is attached to a muscle. 
     
     
       28. The method of  claim 26 , wherein the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material is attached to bone. 
     
     
       29. The method of  claim 18 , wherein the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material is inserted into the cavity to prevent movement of cells from the bone-growth area to the non-bone-growth area. 
     
     
       30. The method of  claim 18 , further comprising forming the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material with a cellular control substance at least one predetermined location on the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material. 
     
     
       31. The method of  claim 30 , wherein the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material is formed with an inhibitor of cell growth disposed substantially only on one side of the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material. 
     
     
       32. The method of  claim 30 , wherein the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material is formed with a promoter of cell growth disposed substantially only on one side of the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material. 
     
     
       33. The method of  claim 18 , wherein the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material is resorbed at a rate, and the method further comprises controlling the rate at which the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material is resorbed. 
     
     
       34. The method of  claim 18 , wherein the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material comprises a copolymer of epsilon-caprolactone and a lactide. 
     
     
       35. A method for governing bone growth, the method comprising providing a substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material having a bone-growing substantially-smooth side and a non-bone growing substantially-smooth side, the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material comprising a single layer of resorbable polymer base material between the bone-growing side and the non-bone growing side, the single layer of resorbable polymer base material having a substantially uniform composition, wherein a thickness of the single layer of resorbable polymer base material, measured between the bone-growing side and the non-bone growing side, is about 100 microns, wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material is non-porous, wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material consists essentially of a material selected from the group consisting of a poly-lactide polymer and a copolymer of two or more cyclic esters, and wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material is adapted to maintain a smooth-surfaced barrier between the bone growing side and the non-bone growing side, and is adapted to be resorbed into a mammalian body within a period of approximately 18 to 24 months from an initial implantation of the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material into the mammalian body; and forming a spatial barrier with the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material, the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material separating a bone-growth area, which faces the bone-growing side having a bone inductive factor, from a non-bone-growth area, which faces the non-bone growing side having a pre-implantation compositional characteristic different from a pre-implantation compositional characteristic of the bone growing side, wherein the compositional characteristic is defined by an amount or concentration of one or more of a tissue growth inhibitor or anti-tissue agent, an anti-bone agent or factor, an anti-angiogenic factor, a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody, an antibody fragment, a substance for cellular control, a chemotactic substance for influencing cell-migration, an inhibitory substance for influencing cell-migration, a mitogenic growth factor for influencing cell proliferation, a bone-inductive factor, a growth factor for influencing cell differentiation, and a factor which promotes angiogenesis. 
     
     
       36. A method for governing bone growth, the method comprising providing a substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material having a bone-growing substantially-smooth side and a non-bone growing substantially-smooth side, the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material comprising a single layer of resorbable polymer base material between the bone-growing side and the non-bone growing side, the single layer of resorbable polymer base material having a substantially uniform composition, wherein a thickness of the single layer of resorbable polymer base material, measured between the bone-growing side and the non-bone growing side, is about 200 microns, wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material is non-porous, wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material consists essentially of a material selected from the group consisting of a poly-lactide polymer and a copolymer of two or more cyclic esters, and wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material is adapted to maintain a smooth-surfaced barrier between the bone growing side and the non-bone growing side, and is adapted to be resorbed into a mammalian body within a period of approximately 18 to 24 months from an initial implantation of the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material into the mammalian body; and forming a spatial barrier with the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material, the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material separating a bone-growth area, which faces the bone-growing side having a bone inductive factor, from a non-bone-growth area, which faces the non-bone growing side having a pre-implantation compositional characteristic, which is defined by an amount or concentration of one or more of a tissue growth inhibitor or anti-tissue agent, an anti-bone agent or factor, an anti-angiogenic factor, a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody, an antibody fragment, a substance for cellular control, a chemotactic substance for influencing cell-migration, an inhibitory substance for influencing cell-migration, a mitogenic growth factor for influencing cell proliferation, a bone-inductive factor, a growth factor for influencing cell differentiation, and a factor which promotes angiogenesis, and which is different from a pre-implantation compositional characteristic of the bone growing side. 
     
     
       37. A method for governing bone growth, the method comprising providing a substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material having a bone-growing substantially-smooth side and a non-bone growing substantially-smooth side, the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material comprising a single layer of resorbable polymer base material between the bone-growing side and the non-bone growing side, the single layer of resorbable polymer base material having a substantially uniform composition, wherein a thickness of the single layer of resorbable polymer base material, measured between the bone-growing side and the non-bone growing side, is between about 10 microns and about 300 microns, wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material is non-porous, wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material consists essentially of a material selected from the group consisting of a poly-lactide polymer and a copolymer of two or more cyclic esters, and wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material is adapted to maintain a smooth-surfaced barrier between the bone growing side and the non-bone growing side, and is adapted to be resorbed into a mammalian body within a period of approximately 18 to 24 months from an initial implantation of the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material into the mammalian body; and forming a spatial barrier with the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material, the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material separating a bone-growth area, which faces the bone-growing side having a bone inductive factor, from a non-bone-growth area, which faces the non-bone growing side having a pre-implantation compositional characteristic, which is defined by an amount or concentration of one or more of a tissue growth inhibitor or anti-tissue agent, an anti-bone agent or factor, an anti-angiogenic factor, a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody, an antibody fragment, a substance for cellular control, a chemotactic substance for influencing cell-migration, an inhibitory substance for influencing cell-migration, a mitogenic growth factor for influencing cell proliferation, a bone-inductive factor, a growth factor for influencing cell differentiation, and a factor which promotes angiogenesis, and which is different from a pre-implantation compositional characteristic of the bone growing side, wherein the substantially planar barrier membrane or resorbable polymer base material is impregnated with at least one of an anti-bone agent, a chemotactic substance for influencing cell-migration, an inhibitory substance for influencing cell-migration, a mitogenic growth factor for influencing cell proliferation, a growth factor for influencing cell differentiation, and factors which promote angiogenesis. 
     
     
       38. A method for governing bone growth, the method comprising providing a substantially planar baffler membrane of resorbable polymer base material having a bone-growing substantially-smooth side and a non-bone growing substantially-smooth side, the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material comprising a single layer of resorbable polymer base material between the bone-growing side and the non-bone growing side, the single layer of resorbable polymer base material having a substantially uniform composition, wherein a thickness of the single layer of resorbable polymer base material, measured between the bone-growing side and the non-bone growing side, is less than 300 microns, wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material is non-porous, wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material consists essentially of a material selected from the group consisting of a poly-lactide polymer and a copolymer of two or more cyclic esters, and wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material is adapted to maintain a smooth-surfaced barrier between the bone growing side and the non-bone growing side, and is adapted to be resorbed into a mammalian body within a period of approximately 18 to 24 months from an initial implantation of the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material into the mammalian body; and forming a spatial barrier with the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material, the substantially planar baffler membrane of resorbable polymer base material separating a bone-growth area, which faces the bone-growing side having a bone inductive factor, from a non-bone-growth area, which faces the non-bone growing side having a pre-implantation compositional characteristic different from a pre-implantation compositional characteristic of the bone growing side, wherein the compositional characteristic is defined by an amount or concentration of one or more of a tissue growth inhibitor or anti-tissue agent, an anti-bone agent or factor, an anti-angiogenic factor, a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody, an antibody fragment, a substance for cellular control, a chemotactic substance for influencing cell-migration, an inhibitory substance for influencing cell-migration, a mitogenic growth factor for influencing cell proliferation, a bone-inductive factor, a growth factor for influencing cell differentiation, and a factor which promotes angiogenesis, whereby the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material has a thickness less than 300 microns and is substantially non-porous. 
     
     
       39. A method for governing bone growth, the method comprising providing a substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material having a bone-growing substantially-smooth side and a non-bone growing substantially-smooth side, the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material comprising a single layer of resorbable polymer base material between the bone-growing side and the non-bone growing side, the single layer of resorbable polymer base material having a substantially uniform composition, wherein a thickness of the single layer of resorbable polymer base material, measured between the bone-growing side and the non-bone growing side, is between about 10 microns and about 300 microns, wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material is non-porous, wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material consists essentially of a material selected from the group consisting of a poly-lactide polymer and a copolymer of two or more cyclic esters, and wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material is adapted to maintain a smooth-surfaced barrier between the bone growing side and the non-bone growing side, and is adapted to be resorbed into a mammalian body within a period of approximately 18 to 24 months from an initial implantation of the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material into the mammalian body; and forming a spatial barrier with the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material, the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material separating a bone-growth area, which faces the bone-growing side having a bone inductive factor, from a non-bone-growth area, which faces the non-bone growing side having a pre-implantation compositional characteristic, which is defined by an amount or concentration of one or more of a tissue growth inhibitor or anti-tissue agent, an anti-bone agent or factor, an anti-angiogenic factor, a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody, an antibody fragment, a substance for cellular control, a chemotactic substance for influencing cell-migration, an inhibitory substance for influencing cell-migration, a mitogenic growth factor for influencing cell proliferation, a bone-inductive factor, a growth factor for influencing cell differentiation, and a factor which promotes angiogenesis, and which is different from a pre-implantation compositional characteristic of the bone growing side, wherein the at least one anti-tissue agent comprises at least one anti-bone factor to inhibit bone tissue growth in the non-bone-growth area, and wherein the at least one anti-bone factor is administered to a surface of the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material that is positioned to face the non-bone-growth area. 
     
     
       40. A method for governing bone growth, the method comprising providing a substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material having a bone-growing substantially-smooth side and a non-bone growing substantially-smooth side, the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material comprising a single layer of resorbable polymer base material between the bone-growing side and the non-bone growing side, the single layer of resorbable polymer base material having a substantially uniform composition, wherein a thickness of the single layer of resorbable polymer base material, measured between the bone-growing side and the non-bone growing side, is between about 10 microns and about 300 microns, wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material is non-porous, wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material consists essentially of a material selected from the group consisting of a poly-lactide polymer and a copolymer of two or more cyclic esters, and wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material is adapted to maintain a smooth-surfaced barrier between the bone growing side and the non-bone growing side, and is adapted to be resorbed into a mammalian body within a period of approximately 18 to 24 months from an initial implantation of the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material into the mammalian body; and forming a spatial barrier with the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material, the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material separating a bone-growth area, which faces the bone-growing side having a bone inductive factor, from a non-bone-growth area, which faces the non-bone growing side having a pre-implantation compositional characteristic different from a pre-implantation compositional characteristic of the bone growing side, wherein the providing comprises providing the bone-growing substantially-smooth side with a bone inductive factor and the non-bone growing substantially-smooth side substantially free of the bone inductive factor, wherein the compositional characteristic is defined by an amount or concentration of one or more of a tissue growth inhibitor or anti-tissue agent, an anti-bone agent or factor, an anti-angiogenic factor, a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody, an antibody fragment, a substance for cellular control, a chemotactic substance for influencing cell-migration, an inhibitory substance for influencing cell-migration, a mitogenic growth factor for influencing cell proliferation, a bone-inductive factor, a growth factor for influencing cell differentiation, and a factor which promotes angiogenesis. 
     
     
       41. A method for governing bone growth, the method comprising providing a substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material having a bone-growing substantially-smooth side and a non-bone growing substantially-smooth side, the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material comprising a single layer of resorbable polymer base material between the bone-growing side and the non-bone growing side, the single layer of resorbable polymer base material having a substantially uniform composition, wherein a thickness of the single layer of resorbable polymer base material, measured between the bone-growing side and the non-bone growing side, is between about 10 microns and about 300 microns, wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material is non-porous, wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material consists essentially of a material selected from the group consisting of a poly-lactide polymer and a copolymer of two or more cyclic esters, and wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material is adapted to maintain a smooth-surfaced barrier between the bone growing side and the non-bone growing side, and is adapted to be resorbed into a mammalian body within a period of approximately 18 to 24 months from an initial implantation of the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material into the mammalian body; and forming a spatial barrier with the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material, the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material separating a bone-growth area, which faces the bone-growing side having a bone inductive factor, from a non-bone-growth area, which faces the non-bone growing side having a pre-implantation compositional characteristic different from a pre-implantation compositional characteristic of the bone growing side, wherein the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material comprises at least one tissue growth inhibitor and the compositional characteristic is defined by an amount or concentration of one or more of a tissue growth inhibitor or anti-tissue agent, an anti-bone agent or factor, an anti-angiogenic factor, a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody, an antibody fragment, a substance for cellular control, a chemotactic substance for influencing cell-migration, an inhibitory substance for influencing cell-migration, a mitogenic growth factor for influencing cell proliferation, a bone-inductive factor, a growth factor for influencing cell differentiation, and a factor which promotes angiogenesis. 
     
     
       42. The method of  claim 41 , wherein the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material is impregnated with at least one tissue growth inhibitor. 
     
     
       43. The method of  claim 42 , wherein the at least one tissue growth inhibitor is an anti-bone factor. 
     
     
       44. The method of  claim 43 , wherein the anti-bone factor includes one or more of anti-angiogenic factors, monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       45. The method of  claim 43 , wherein the anti-bone factor is effective against members of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta superfamily. 
     
     
       46. A method for governing bone growth in a bone cavity, comprising:
 providing a smooth-surfaced resorbable polymer barrier membrane-which is about 10 to 300 microns thick and adapted to be resorbed in about 18 to 24 months and which has a bone-growing side with a bone inductive factor and a non-bone-growing side substantially free of the bone inductive factor; and 
 inserting the resorbable barrier membrane into a bone cavity of a patient so that the resorbable barrier membrane defines a bone-growth area and a non-bone-growth area, each of the bone-growth area and the non-bone-growth area being disposed on opposite sides of the resorbable barrier membrane before the resorbable barrier membrane is resorbed, wherein the resorbable barrier membrane comprises an agent that governs bone growth by limiting bone-growth in the non-bone-growth area relative to a growth of bone in the bone-growth area. 
 
     
     
       47. The method of  claim 46 , further comprising administering at least one anti-bone factor to inhibit bone tissue growth in the non-bone-growth area. 
     
     
       48. The method of  claim 47 , wherein the at least one anti-bone factor is provided on a surface of the resorbable barrier membrane that faces the non-bone-growth area. 
     
     
       49. The method of  claim 47 , wherein the resorbable barrier membrane is inserted adjacent to the spinal meninges to reduce bone growth into the spinal canal of the patient. 
     
     
       50. The method of  claim 47 , wherein the resorbable barrier membrane comprises a poly-lactide polymer and a copolymer of at least two poly-lactides. 
     
     
       51. The method of  claim 47 , wherein the resorbable barrier membrane is impermeable to fluid. 
     
     
       52. The method of  claim 46 , wherein the implant comprises a promoter of cell growth disposed substantially only on the bone growing side of the implant. 
     
     
       53. The method of  claim 46 , wherein the implant comprises an inhibitor of cell growth disposed substantially only on the non-bone growing side of the implant. 
     
     
       54. The method of  claim 53 , wherein the inhibitor of cell growth includes one or more of anti-angiogenic factors, monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       55. The method of  claim 53 , wherein the inhibitor of cell growth is effective against members of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta superfamily. 
     
     
       56. The method of  claim 46 , wherein the implant comprises:
 a promoter of cell growth disposed substantially only on the bone-growing side of the implant; and 
 an inhibitor of cell growth disposed substantially only on the non-bone growing side of the implant. 
 
     
     
       57. A method for governing bone growth, the method comprising providing a substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material having a bone-growing substantially-smooth side and a non-bone growing substantially-smooth side, the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material comprising a single layer of resorbable polymer base material between the bone-growing side and the non-bone growing side, the single layer of resorbable polymer base material having a substantially uniform composition, wherein a thickness of the single layer of resorbable polymer base material, measured between the bone-growing side and the non-bone growing side, is between about 10 microns and about 300 microns, wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material is non-porous, wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material consists essentially of a material selected from the group consisting of a poly-lactide polymer and a copolymer of two or more cyclic esters, and wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material is adapted to maintain a smooth-surfaced barrier between the bone growing side and the non-bone growing side, and is adapted to be resorbed into a mammalian body within a period of approximately 18 to 24 months from an initial implantation of the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material into the mammalian body; and forming a spatial barrier with the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material, the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material separating a bone-growth area, which faces the bone-growing side having a bone inductive factor, from a non-bone-growth area, which faces the non-bone growing side having a pre-implantation compositional characteristic, which is defined by an amount or concentration of one or more of a tissue growth inhibitor or anti-tissue agent, an anti-bone agent or factor, an anti-angiogenic factor, a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody, an antibody fragment, a substance for cellular control, a chemotactic substance for influencing cell-migration, an inhibitory substance for influencing cell-migration, a mitogenic growth factor for influencing cell proliferation, a bone-inductive factor, a growth factor for influencing cell differentiation, and a factor which promotes angiogenesis, and which is different from a pre-implantation compositional characteristic of the bone growing side, wherein the providing comprises providing a non-bone growing substantially-smooth side that is substantially free of a bone inductive factor, and wherein the providing further comprises providing the non-bone growing substantially-smooth side with a tissue growth inhibitor. 
     
     
       58. A method for governing bone growth, the method comprising providing a substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material having a bone-growing substantially-smooth side and a non-bone growing substantially-smooth side, the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material comprising a single layer of resorbable polymer base material between the bone-growing side and the non-bone growing side, the single layer of resorbable polymer base material having a substantially uniform composition, wherein a thickness of the single layer of resorbable polymer base material, measured between the bone-growing side and the non-bone growing side, is between about 10 microns and about 300 microns, wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material is non-porous, wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material consists essentially of a material selected from the group consisting of a poly-lactide polymer and a copolymer of two or more cyclic esters, and wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material is adapted to maintain a smooth-surfaced barrier between the bone growing side and the non-bone growing side, and is adapted to be resorbed into a mammalian body within a period of approximately 18 to 24 months from an initial implantation of the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material into the mammalian body; and forming a spatial barrier with the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material, the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material separating a bone-growth area, which faces the bone-growing side having a bone inductive factor, from a non-bone-growth area, which faces the non-bone growing side having a pre-implantation compositional characteristic different from a pre-implantation compositional characteristic of the bone growing side, wherein the compositional characteristic is defined by an amount or concentration of one or more of a tissue growth inhibitor or anti-tissue agent, an anti-bone agent or factor, an anti-angiogenic factor, a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody, an antibody fragment, a substance for cellular control, a chemotactic substance for influencing cell-migration, an inhibitory substance for influencing cell-migration, a mitogenic growth factor for influencing cell proliferation, a bone-inductive factor, a growth factor for influencing cell differentiation, and a factor which promotes angiogenesis, and wherein the providing comprises providing a non-bone growing substantially-smooth side that is substantially free of a bone inductive factor, and wherein the providing further comprises providing the non-bone growing substantially-smooth side with an anti-bone factor. 
     
     
       59. A method for governing bone growth, the method comprising providing a substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material having a bone-growing substantially-smooth side and a non-bone growing substantially-smooth side, the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material comprising a single layer of resorbable polymer base material between the bone-growing side and the non-bone growing side, the single layer of resorbable polymer base material having a substantially uniform composition, wherein a thickness of the single layer of resorbable polymer base material, measured between the bone-growing side and the non-bone growing side, is between about 10 microns and about 300 microns, wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material is non-porous, wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material consists essentially of a material selected from the group consisting of a poly-lactide polymer and a copolymer of two or more cyclic esters, and wherein the single layer of resorbable polymer base material is adapted to maintain a smooth-surfaced barrier between the bone growing side and the non-bone growing side, and is adapted to be resorbed into a mammalian body within a period of approximately 18 to 24 months from an initial implantation of the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material into the mammalian body; and forming a spatial barrier with the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material, the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material separating a bone-growth area, which faces the bone-growing side having a bone inductive factor, from a non-bone-growth area, which faces the non-bone growing side having a pre-implantation compositional characteristic, which is defined by an amount or concentration of one or more of a tissue growth inhibitor or anti-tissue agent, an anti-bone agent or factor, an anti-angiogenic factor, a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody, an antibody fragment, a substance for cellular control, a chemotactic substance for influencing cell-migration, an inhibitory substance for influencing cell-migration, a mitogenic growth factor for influencing cell proliferation, a bone-inductive factor, a growth factor for influencing cell differentiation, and a factor which promotes angiogenesis, and which is different from a pre-implantation compositional characteristic of the bone growing side, wherein the providing comprises providing the substantially planar barrier membrane of resorbable polymer base material having a bone-growing substantially-smooth side and a non-bone growing substantially-smooth side, the non-bone growing substantially-smooth side comprising at least one anti-bone factor.